House Theatre's NUTCRACKER Opens 11/13

The House Theatre of Chicago has announced the return of THE NUTCRACKER, a re-imagining of the classic E.T.A. Hoffmann story, adapted by House Theatre company members Phillip C. Klapperich and Jake Minton and featuring an original score by company member Kevin O'Donnell.

House company member Tommy Rapley directs this innovative take on the classic Christmas tale, opening November 13 at the Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division St.), with preview performances November 03-12. THE NUTRACKER will run through December 30.

The House's fantastical deconstruction of this time-honored holiday story centers on Clara's journey to save her family from the Rat King before Christmas, with the help of a Nutcracker, a gift from her beloved Uncle Drosselmeyer. What unfolds is a heartwarming holiday story that weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, beautiful song and spellbinding spectacle to tell a darkly moving story of magic and mystery.

The House's newly imagined version of THE NUTCRACKER first premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in 2007 under the Visiting Company Initiative, and enjoyed a highly acclaimed second run at The House last year.

THE NUTRACKER is adapted by Phillip C. Klapperich and Jake Minton from "The Nutcracker and the Mouse," a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. THE NUTCRACKER is directed by Tommy Rapley with original music by Kevin O'Donnell.

Announcing the 2011 cast:
David Catlin as Drosselmeyer
Briana DiGiulio as Clara
Tyler Ravelson as Fritz
Mike Smith* as David
Marika Mashburn* as Martha
Joey Steakley* as Hugo
Mary Hollis Inboden as Phoebe
Chris Mathews* as Monkey
* indicates House Company Member

For more information, visit www.TheHouseTheatre.com.